Warre's 2000
Vintage Port
Warre's decision to declare was not difficult despite the extraordinarily low yields.
Description
It was clear that a small vintage was at hand, although it was not anticipated as being quite as small as it was at Cavadinha. The vineyard experienced the lowest yields in living memory. The old mixed plantings, with vine ages of between 50 and 55 years, produced an average of just 420g per vine.
This unprecedented low yield was due to the appalling weather during flowering, and without a doubt contributed to the marvellous concentration of the wines produced. The very low bunch weight and the fact that the berries themselves were very small also meant that there was much less juice than usual relative to the amount of skins. Consequently even more extraction of colour and flavours was possible than in other years. Ideal weather during the vintage, with cool nights followed by hot days added the finishing touch to the variety of factors which culminated in a classic year.
Our Expert's Recommendation
"This young wine should be allowed to age in its own bottle for at least 15 to 20 years from the time it is bottled to achieve its optimum maturity. For those who prefer to drink their Vintage Port young, 4 to 5 years are sufficient. In my opinion, one of the real stars."
Press Comments
"A brash, but opulent young Port, filled with lush ripe damsons, and a distinctive touch of black pepper on both nose and palate; opens out to reveal superb raw power and length; delicious to drink now, although some might consider that infanticide."
“Deep blackish purple. Lovely lift and savour. Slight hint of sawdust on extremely luscious fruit then some fine tannins…A real flatterer…Long but with great interest. Dry finish”.
"Straightforward yet intense, ripe black raspberry liqueur and cassis scents are followed by a medium to full-bodied, elegant, restrained, balanced port with moderately high tannin as well as outstanding purity. It is a vintage port with impeccable finesse."
“Black purple in colour, the nose has floral as well as savoury tones. The palate is amazingly seductive for Warre’s. Tannins are high and ripe, and the cistus gum-scented fruit is sweet and fragrant”.
"Lush, rich and ripe and as black as night. Peppery and slightly minerally notes show through the big black berries. It has great weight, big tannins, big alcohol, big fruit and it should be very, very successful."
“Lovely floral aromas of berries, violets and minerals. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a racy finish. A harmonious yet well-toned Warre. Reminds me of the 1991.”
“The massive, bold, burnt, liquorice-spiked Warre’s that has at least two decades ahead”.
"Brambly, peppery nose; lovely flavour, great length, texture, style. Gilt edged."
Additional Information
For more information about Warre's, please visit
http://www.warre.com/
Click here to download the wine specification sheet.